LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. -- The Fairfield University field hockey team dropped its second straight one-goal game on the road as the Stags dropped a 1-0 decision at Rider University in a Northeast Conference (NEC) game. The result brought Fairfield's overall record to 3-2 and its NEC mark to 1-2 while Rider remained unbeaten in both categories with a 3-0 mark.

Both teams struggled to create offensive opportunities as Fairfield and Rider combined for just four shots on the cage. The Stags' challenged with a shot on goal in the first quarter but could not manage any more chances in the second quarter. Rider collected three shots on goal with two coming in the second quarter but Fairfield goalkeeper Zoe Rosen turned away each of those attempts.

In the second half, the two teams began to find their footing inside the circle which produced more chances for the squads. Rider was able to put six shots toward the Fairfield net while Fairfield managed two shots in the 15-minute period.

The Broncs scored the game's only goal midway through the third quarter when the home team was granted a penalty stroke in the 39th minute of the game. Kaitlyn Flemming stepped to the spot and flicked the ball past Fairfield goalkeeper Zoe Rosen who made a valiant attempt to stop the shot but could not prevent the goal. 

The defensive units picked up their play in the final quarter which allowed only one shot between the two teams to find its target. The Stags were credited with the quarter's only shot. The play was started by Danielle Profita when she inserted the ball off a penalty corner and sent the ball to Kelly Buckley. The defender's shot went wide of the goal and kept the Rider in front by a goal.

At the end of the game, Rider had doubled up the Stags in shots produced by a 9-4 count even though the Broncs did not get a shot off in the fourth quarter. Fairfield was more active from the corner of the circle with seven penalty corners while Rider used five penalty corners to set up its offense. Rosen finished the contest with four saves while Rider goalkeeper Kaitlyn Tomas registered two stops.

Fairfield now begins a three-game home stand that starts on Saturday when Bryant University comes to University Field for a 3 pm start. The Stags will also host Merrimack on April 11 and Wagner on April 15 to close out the three-game run at home.